Men's Sheds: ‘You can’t call in, but you can call’

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has launched an island-wide campaign called ‘#CallThemForACuppa’, to encourage men’s sheds and the public to pick up the phone and call someone at risk of social isolation.

With the coronavirus outbreak, many older people are socially isolating in order to reduce their risk of contracting the coronavirus. However, IMSA is highlighting that while people can’t call in, they can call.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, CEO of IMSA Barry Sheridan said: “We always say that the ‘kettle is the most important tool in the shed’. A key part of any day in a shed is gathering around the table, having a cup of tea and a chat. While you can’t call in, you can call. The next time you’re sitting down for a cuppa, think of someone who is at risk of social isolation and give them a call. “Whether it’s a neighbour, family member or friend, we want people to pick up the phone and #CallThemForACuppa. There are people in Ireland who now face weeks, perhaps months, with minimal social contact, or in some cases none at all.

We have to act together to lessen the impact of social isolation

“The sheds were set up to, among other things, help deal with social isolation for men, and so we are intimately aware of this issue. Isolation is an everyday issue across the whole of Ireland, but now with the coronavirus, it’s a crisis. We have to act together to lessen the impact of social isolation on the health of our older neighbours, relatives and friends.”

While all men’s sheds across Ireland are temporarily closed, they continue to connect with one another through alternative means, such as checking in through phone, text and WhatsApp. The sheds are also operating a ‘buddy system’, whereby one member is responsible for checking in with another, ensuring that shedders are not isolated during this difficult time.

Shedders have also reached beyond the typical social connection of texting and phoning, with some members taking innovative approaches such as setting up Facebook Live music sessions, virtual art groups, and sending each other video messages each morning to check in.

You can join in on the campaign by simply picking up the phone and calling someone at risk of social isolation, or joining in on Twitter or Facebook to encourage others to #CallThemForACuppa.

There are a number of ways that you can message your friends, neighbours and groups online, using smartphone applications (apps) such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Facetime, Viber and Messenger.

All of these apps allow you to write a message, leave a short video or photograph to individual friends or groups, or make a video call.WhatsApp is a very popular messaging service and is very popular among community groups.

Google the app of choice and download it for free. Open the app and press the camera icon or call button to make a video call.

You can have face-to-face phone calls with loved ones or groups.

Ask someone to help if you need assistance, however these apps are very simple to use and it won’t take long to get the hang of it.

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